UAW releases 2014 union-built vehicles list

09/26/13

Quality, variety and fuel efficiency – not to mention keeping good jobs in America – are the highlights of the UAW’s 2014 Union-Built Vehicles List, which was released today.

The new editions to the list include Ford Motor Co.’s Fusion sedan, made for the first time at the Flat Rock (Mich.) Assembly Plant as a result of 2011 bargaining between the UAW and Ford. The Fusion was previously only made in Mexico; the Ford Transit van, insourced from Europe through collective bargaining to the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.; the Chevrolet Equinox, which is being made for the first time in Spring Hill, Tenn., as a result of 2011 bargaining between the UAW and General Motors. Also new on the list are GMs’ Cadillac ELR hybrid/electric-powered luxury sports car, which is made at the Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant, and the revival of the Jeep Cherokee, which is made at Chrysler Corp.’s Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant.

MPG-conscious consumers might also take a look at Ford’s C-Max hybrid plug-in and Focus electric models, which are made at the Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, Mich.

“In 2011 UAW members won investment and product commitments that led to some real increases in jobs for UAW members and others in jobs that support the auto industry throughout the United States,” UAW President Bob King said. “We continue to see the results from that round of bargaining and will continue to press for more jobs for communities that are still recovering from the economic recession.”

The UAW has seen increased jobs not only because of successful bargaining, but because members continue to build some of the best vehicles in the world. Earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, GM’s Cadillac ATS won the 2013 North American Car of the Year, while Chrysler’s Ram 1500 won the 2013 North American Truck of the Year. The Ford F series trucks remain the best-selling trucks in America, as they have for the last 36 years.

“There’s plenty to choose from on this list, no matter what kind of vehicle you are looking for,” King said. “Be assured that when you buy any car on this list that you are doing the utmost to support decent-paying jobs in communities across the United States.”

Canadian-assembled vehicles built by members of Unifor, formerly the Canadian Auto Workers union, have always been recommended because those vehicles include significant UAW-made content and support the jobs of UAW members. Mitsubishi’s Outlander Sport SUV is assembled by UAW members in Normal, Ill.

Vehicles marked on the list with an asterisk are assembled by UAW members in the United States and in another country. To be sure you are buying a UAW-made or Unifor-made vehicle, buyers should check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A vehicle assembled in the United States will always start with the numbers “1” or “4” or “5.” Vehicles assembled in Canada will start with the number “2.” Not all vehicles made in the United States or Canada are assembled by union members, so it’s important to first check the list. If it’s on the list, then inspect the VIN for the above numbers.